First things first – at times, this debate felt a tad boring. The candidates were more unified and wanted to talk about actual issues as opposed to hurling insults at each other. Isn’t it kind of sad that that’s considered unexciting?
There wasn’t a lot name-calling, and, unlike the Republican debate, the people on stage seemed to treat each other with a great amount of respect.
Hillary Clinton summed it up pretty well when she said, “We agree on the goals. We disagree on the means.”
Anderson Cooper’s questions were on point and tough. Overall, this was a pretty well-organized, interesting, classy, and informative debate.
Onto the rankings!
N/R. Lincoln Chafee – In what is one of the worst debate performances I’ve seen, Chafee did not just fail to make an impression at all. He made an awful impression. At times, it was as though he forgot he was participating in the debate, stumbling over his words. It was an awkward performance, and I don’t feel comfortable making fun of him for it…because he’s legitimately going to be out of this race soon, and I kind of feel bad for him. Then again, he kept doing that weird thing with his lips, drawing them into his mouth.
Quote of the night: “I think you’re being a little rough.”
4. Jim Webb – Senator Webb is obviously an intelligent man with an impressive military background. In fact, he’d probably do pretty well if he elected to run as a Republican. The Democratic Party just doesn’t seem to be a harmonious fit for him. My big takeaway from his performance is that he has a real beef with China, and was really agitated that Cooper was not letting him speak enough for his liking.
And, really, after he threw a shout-out to the dude he killed in battle, I’m not really going to argue with him about anything.
The creepy smile was a nice comedic effect as well.
Quote of the night: “There is a reality we all need to recognize of the power of Wall Street.”
3. Hillary Clinton – Look – I know this isn’t going to be a popular take. Pundits are claiming Clinton won the debate hands down. I simply disagree. Why? Because she was already the frontrunner to earn the Democratic nomination. She just coasted through this debate. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, though. She was prepared, poised, confident, and conversational – all positives that ought to increase her “likeability factor.”
Still, what exactly did she do to swing undecided voters into her favor? I’m not too sure just yet. I don’t think she lost any ground by any means, but she didn’t add anything to further separate herself from the rest of the field.
Her laugh is totes adorbs, though.
Quote of the night: “I’m a progressive that likes to get things done.”
2. Bernie Sanders – This debate was the prime opportunity for Sanders to come out and make his presence felt on the national stage. He did just that. Speaking with great passion, Sanders was effective, honest, and descriptive.
In the long run, questions are going to remain about the plausibility of putting some of his policies into motion. In the context of this single debate, though, Sanders was definitely solid enough to expand his following – which, of course, was the ultimate goal.
He was tripped up a couple of times, namely on the discussion of gun control, but his body language and facial expressions showed him to be thinking on the fly a bit. In such a position, I think his retorts and answers were honest and consistent with his delivery of prepared answers. Sanders believes what he says.
Quote of the night: “If we are a free country, we have the right to be free.”
1. Martin O’Malley – My second unpopular take of the night – O’Malley seized this opportunity to its’ fullest. Outside of Clinton and Sanders is a pool of forgettable faces and names. O’Malley made sure that his time was spent gaining ground on those two and establishing a presence in this race.
Is he going to overtake Clinton or Sanders? Of course not. But, he utilized the opportunity provided by this debate better than any other candidate. He is to tonight’s debate as Carly Fiorina was to the last Republican debate.
O’Malley provided specific examples of his ability to put ideas into policy. On numerous occasions, he reminded us all that those big ideas were put into action under him. It was as if he was saying “Oh, you think we should do this?! Guess what! Already did. KBYE.”
When he wasn’t speaking, he was facing whoever was talking. When he was speaking to a fellow candidate, he looked directly at them. His body language displayed confidence and a willingness to assert his self as though he belonged among the Democratic elite.
If I didn’t know anything about this race beforehand, I would’ve thought him to be one of the serious contenders.
That’s called “owning it,” folks.
Quote of the night: “Whistleblowers do not run to Russia & try to get protection from Putin.”
In the end, I don’t think the polls are going to look any different than they did before the debate. O’Malley had a strong showing, but ultimately, is he going to steal votes from Clinton or Sanders? I doubt it.
Still, we can all agree – enough with the damn e-mails!
Stoney Keeley is the editor of the SoBros Network, Tennessee Titans Featured Analyst for Pro Football Spot, and covers the WWE for WrestlingNews.co. Follow on Twitter @StoneyKeeley, @PFSpot, @WrestlingNewsCo
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(Credit image to the Chicago Tribune)
